Created by writer Jerry Siegel and artist Joe Shuster when they were teenagers, Superman was introduced to the world in Action Comics No. 1, published in 1938. He was the first superhero, and his success soon led to the creation of Batman, Wonder Woman, and many other popular comic-book crimefighters.

In fact, Superman was such a hit that he quickly moved beyond comic books. He went on to star in radio shows, cartoons, television shows, and, of course, movies. The latest film, Man of Steel, retells the story of Superman’s origin. Rocketed to Earth from the dying planet Krypton by his parents, Kal-El is raised in the United States as Clark Kent. Growing up, he discovers that he has amazing superhuman abilities and must figure out how to best use them. In this new version of the story, Clark (Henry Cavill) realizes that he must become Earth’s protector when other survivors of Krypton’s destruction arrive and threaten the planet.

Did You Know?

Henry Cavill is the fifth actor to star as Superman on the big screen. As part of his audition, Cavill put on an actual Superman costume used in one of the older movies. "When he came out in it," director Zack Snyder told TIME, "out of the dressing room, and stood there in front of us . . . all of us just looked at him, and we were like, You look like Superman."